This fantasy is written in a style more like Lewis or Tolkien than Atwater-Rhodes or Chima or Snyder. By that I mean that the style is more formal than “Poison Study” or “Wizard Heir”, but it is just as gripping. Gabrielle is a bonemender or healer as well as the Princess of Verdeau. She enjoys her work and helping her people. One day 2 men stumble into the castle courtyard, one of them severely injured. To everyone’s surprise they are elves, who had withdrawn from humans so long ago they were considered legendary. They bring news of an invasion from over the mountains that will threaten everyone in their path. As Gabrielle’s kingdom and their allies struggle to prepare for the war, Gabrielle must struggle with her personal feelings towards Feolan the Elf and her duty towards her people. A well told story and an Abe Lincoln nominee.

This was a fun fantasy involving shape-changing cultures who have been at war for centuries. Danica is heir to the avian shapeshifter throne. She wants to end the war between her people and the serpiente or snake shifters. Their leader, Zane Cobriana, proposes to end the war, LITERALLY! Can hawk and snake co-exsist peacefully? Or is there a third party who profits by their aggression and does not want peace at all?

I enjoyed the writing and characters very much. There are 5 books in the series, which I am looking forward to reading as well. Am Abe Lincoln nominee and a quick read for fantasy lovers!